Traveling? How To Make The Most Of Your Hotel Gym

Before heading out of town for President's Day weekend, you're going to want to make sure you remember to pack this...

Staying fit on vacation isn’t easy, even for the gym devotees. Here’s how to overcome some common roadblocks:

Problem: Luggage space is precious, what are the absolute essentials I’ll need to still be able to get a good workout in?“My priority travel items are a good pair of trail running shoes and swim goggles. No matter where you fly to, there is always a route you can run, if not on the treadmill, and there is almost always a pool or ocean. I bring trail shoes because the support is slightly better and they give you greater versatility to choose a simple route for sightseeing, even if its dirt road or unpaved terrain of some sort,” says David Erlich. David is one of the guys behind planning the innovative spa and fitness programs at the luxe Viceroy Anguilla resort. The resort brings in the biggest names in fitness, like Barry’s Bootcamp and Hoopnotica to help keep guests in shape and having fun.

Problem: My hotel doesn’t have a gym (or it’s totally outdated)!“My favorite travel workouts do not require a fitness center. Trail running shoes let me hike/run just about any terrain no matter where I travel. Basic stretching, Yoga and jumping jacks (yes….jumping jacks) for a warm up are free. I also recommend calling the hotel concierge in advance, to find out if the facility is limited. Almost every major destination or city has a facility they can recommend or book a day pass to for fitness center usage,” Erlich says.

Problem: I didn’t travel all the way to [insert amazing vacation destination here] to spend all my time inside, at the gym.“When it comes to food and exercise, there are no bad items, just bad quantities. Sleep in and lounge around a bit. Give your body a break. I usually convince myself that working out on vacation has a treat associated with it. I reward myself with a spa treatment that I believe I have ‘earned’ if I work out,” Erlich says. My favorite way to stay fit on vacation is to train like a local, that way I am experiencing the location as well as sneaking in a workout. For example, while I was checking out the Viceroy Anguilla, they’re known for their water sports, so instead of keeping my workouts indoors, I took my workout to the water with a poolside yoga class, stand-up paddleboarding instruction and even a beachside boot camp circuit workout. If I was heading somewhere snowy and cold, I’d be sure to go snowshoe walking or skiing!

Problem: Even though I tried, I totally forgot to pack my sneakers and my sandals aren’t going to cut it for a workout.It happens to the best of us. While you can check to see if the hotel or nearby store has a cheap pair of sneakers you can buy, there are still plenty of workouts you can do in your own room… no sneakers needed. Check out this hotel-room-approved 20-minute workout.